Philippines buys anti-submarine warfare helicopters

ROME, March 31 (UPI) -- The Philippine Navy is procuring two AgustaWestland AW159 helicopters configured to anti-submarine and surface warfare roles.

Finmeccanica, parent company of AgustaWestland, said the contract for the helicopters was signed in the Philippines and is worth about $113.1 million.

The AW159s will be built in Britain at a Finmeccanica Helicopter plant and delivered in 2018.

Finmeccanica will also provide training and multi-year support for their operation.

"This contract confirms the confidence of the Philippines in Finmeccanica's products as key to its national security and is a further recognition, in the international market, of the company's leadership in the maritime and naval helicopter segment," said Mauro Moretti, Finmeccanica's chief executive officer and general manager.

"We will deliver to the Philippine Navy a state-of-the-art product, unmatched in the modern operational scenarios, and customized to meet their specific needs. Also, we will provide the customer with support and training solutions that will enable them to take full advantage of the capabilities of its new helicopters."

The AW159 Wildcat has a maximum speed of 193 miles per hour and a range of 483 miles.